Tips for Bathing While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

Tips for Bathing While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

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If you need to use your oxygen concentrator for many hours each day, you might find that you’ll need to be able to take a shower or bathe yourself while using it. Even though your oxygen concentrator cannot get wet or be around a lot of moisture in the air, you can still enjoy a nice shower or bath while getting your oxygen therapy.

Here are some tips for taking a shower safely while using your oxygen concentrator, as well as somethings you will need to have in your bathroom to make it much easier.

Things You’ll Need

An exhaust fan. You should have an exhaust fan in your bathroom, that works well to suck the moist air out of your bathroom. It would be damaging to your oxygen concentrator to take in steam produced by the hot water of your bath or shower.

A shower chair. If you want to take a quick shower, a shower chair makes it easier and reduces fatique. It was also help ensure that water is not dripping down onto your oxygen concentrator.

A detachable showerhead attachment. This is simply a must. You’ll have control over where the water is going, so it doesn’t get on your oxygen concentrator, or on your nasal cannula. It could be on the end of a hose, or a showerhead arm.

Grab bars in the shower. You should have some grab bars installed on the walls of the shower, and on the walls next to the toilet, or on the wall opposite, to brace yourself and avoid injuries from slipping and falling in the shower.

A clear, thin plastic sheet. You position a clear plastic sheet over the concentrator, so that it is loose enough to allow it to breathe without overheating. This will offer extra protection to the concentrator to keep it from getting wet, just in case it accidentally gets sprayed or splashed.

Educate yourself with our Free Oxygen Therapy Guide

Shower Safety Tips

Be sure that your cannula tubing won’t get tangled, or dip down in your bathwater. Go slow, and make sure the cannula tubing is behind you, and the length is short between you and the concentrator. Turn on the exhaust fan and cover the concentrator with the plastic sheet. Make sure it isn’t tight against the machine, and the plastic isn’t covering the vents.

If you’re using a small portable model that isn’t on a mobile cart, try to place it up higher on a table, but not near an edge where it could fall off. If this is the case, make sure you can’t easily pull on the cannula, which would cause it to fall.

Be mindful of your cannula tubing while you wash yourself, or while you use the showerhead attachment. Also make sure the spray isn’t getting anywhere near the concentrator.

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

36 thoughts on “Tips for Bathing While Using an Oxygen Concentrator

    • As we mention in the blog, it is best to keep your tubing out of the water and take the proper safety precautions to protect your oxygen concentrator.

        • It is generally not recommended to take your oxygen cannula off while using an oxygen concentrator. This is because the oxygen flow is delivering a specific dose to you at all times, and removing the cannula or mask can cause your blood oxygen levels to drop. However, if you need to take a head shower, do it with the aforementioned tips. You should consult with your doctor or a respiratory therapist before doing so to ensure it is safe for you.

    • Thank you for your comment, Toni. You should not have any electrical cords in the shower. If the cord you are referring to is a cannula just be sure to abide by the safety tips above, ensuring it is behind you, and the length is short between you and the concentrator. Be sure that your cannula tubing won’t get tangled, or dip down in the water. Turn on the exhaust fan and cover the concentrator with the plastic sheet.

    • I have a 72ft.cord and my concentrator is in the kitchen far from the bathroom. My question is when I wash my face and hair is it ok if canubula? Gets wet?

      • I can suggest two things. Use tubing with an inline water trap. That’s a small inexpensive accessory that prevents water from getting into the cannula. And switch to a dry cannula after you are done.

    • Thank you for your inquiry, Sue. It is imperative that you review all of your individual machine’s safety precautions in the user manual. The user manual will walk you through where possible dangers and misuse can occur.

    • You should not take your concentrator in a steam room or a sauna. The steam room will contain far too much moisture and will be like taking it into the shower with you. The sauna is far to hot for the unit.

      • My concentrator is in the kitchen and I have a 74foot cord . I have to wear my oxygen 24/7 when I wash my face and hair, how do I do it. Oh I also don’t have an exhaust vent. Can I leave the door cracked for ventilation?

  1. Thank you for this vital information. Just went on O2 and was afraid to get into shower or tub. Now l know what to do.

  2. I have a swim spa that I like to go in just to walk around and do a little exercise. I have a oxygen concentrator with a 50’ cord and a portable one. Can I go in the water and keep the cord off to the side not in the water?

    • As long as the concetrator is well away from the water and does not get wet this sounds fine and shouldn’t be an issue.

      • Is it ok to keep the cords on your face while in the shower? I have to wear my oxygen 24/7 and I need to get my shower asap. I don’t know what to do.

    • This is a new one Linda. As I am unfamiliar on the potential issues related to a tanning bed. I can not answer this. Also would you want the cannula lines on your skin while you are tanning?

  3. Question: I need oxygen 24/7. I’m now to use a nebulizer for about 15 minutes several times a day (6). Should I turn the oxygen concentrator off and on that often? I have both a portable and a large in-place concentrator. Thank you.

    • Hello Anne, technically there is no issue in powering on and off your concentrator that frequently. However, if your question is about medical implications, please check that with your doctor.

  4. I just had a patient call me and state they are from out of town and just had a wave while visiting the beach come across their concentrator and wants to know what they should do.

    • If the concentrator got wet accidentally. Do the following.
      Turn off the concentrator, remove the battery, and allow proper time for the concentrator and battery to dry. Depending on how wet it got, it could take a couple of days.
      When safe, turn it on. If the unit malfunctions, contact the service center.

  5. I’ve been on oxygen since December 1 and I have not took a shower cause I’m too scared of getting the hose wet But I really need a shower cuz all I’ve been using is wipes please help

    • You can try an in-line water trap with the tubing to prevent water from going into the machine. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

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